Thread: Beginner Needs Some Advice

Another question is, is it o.k. to shave consecutive days with the same razor? I've read conflicting opinions on this one. Some say they shave every day with the same razor, but I've read that some say that you need to wait a minimum of 24 to 30 hours before you use the same razor twice, or you may risk damaging the blade. I only have one razor, and most certainly do NOT want to damage the blade (hoping this will be an heirloom I can hand down someday). I would, however like to shave more often to get as much practice as I can, so what's the major consensus on this one?

jayb,

You can shave with the same razor daily. Maintain it with a daily stropping. There's an old belief that a razor has to rest periodically so the molecules or whatever have a chance to realign. lots of old, uh, wives tales out there.

Best reason for a second razor is to have one in service if the other one needs a more restorative honing.

Enjoy!!

Howard

If you maintain a blade you can shave with it as often as needed, two or three times a day if called for and you will not harm the blade.
Barbers in days past did not use 20 razors in a day and let them rest for a full day or more.
They disinfected and stropped properly between customers and changed out blades when they did not perform.
I get on a kick and will use the same blade daily for a month, I will hit it on my 12k hone after two weeks or so,
and at that rate I will have been gone longer than the dinosaurs before it becomes an issue.

It will take a few rounds of getting it honed and shaving before you really get the hang of it all, this is not going to be enough wear to blink an eye at.

When you start to hone you may want to consider a practice blade or make some time to sit with someone who has the experience a time or ten.

Angles are different (at least they were for me I started on a shavette) it will take a few shaves to get that,

stropping is a whole new skill and it can take time for many to really get it.

Do not be afraid to lay your strop on the table if that is what it takes, or practice with a butter knife.

Use your shavette for a back up for now if needed, slow down and enjoy each process as much as the shave,

I have found a tranquility in every step of this art.

Regards
Pat